As much as I'd like to, I'm not going to say that these books I'm about to review are books you should pick up and support. I know that every comic book fan has differing tastes. In fact, my tastes tend to be a bit... eclectic. To put it mildly. So this column is simply about some books I've read recently that I like. That's all. Really.
Castle Waiting is definitely fantasy, and great fantasy at that. I managed to get my hands on the first seven issues all at once, and could hardly put them down. It's a book that invites re-reading, and invites careful examination of the art and stories. It's a story that could almost be in a children's storybook... but not quite. It's themes are slightly adult, though nothing worse than the Brothers Grimm ever produced. Still, in this day and age, such a story as this is well told in comic book form. And it is worth the money and effort to find.
The story is about Lady Jain, who is fleeing her home and abusive husband. She is headed for a legendary castle, where she hopes to find sanctuary: Castle Waiting. The first book covers her escape from her home and her journey to the castle, the second her arrival, and the third and on are about the castle itself, as well as her new part in it.
The art is clean and detailed, and I find myself re-examining panels to catch details that I've missed. The writing is all it needs to be for a fairy tale, and at times I find it brilliant and even *gasp* realistic (the bit about coloring hair is classic... yes, this is a black and white comic). The letter columns are also good, and there is generally a *lot* of information in the back of the issue.
For anyone who likes fantasy, and enjoys fantasy with humor, I strongly recommend checking out at least the first issue of this book. Since the book is on hiatus for a year, even the most broke of you can easily catch up if you like it. And while Linda is working for DC, be sure to check out her efforts in the upcoming Books of Fairie.
I'll repeat the most common comment I've heard about Akiko: it's like a cross between the Wizard of Oz and Star Wars. While that doesn't quite catch the flavor of the book, it comes mighty close. And for a book like Akiko, mighty close is pretty good.
The story is about Akiko, a normal 6th grader who is whisked off to adventure on the distant planet of Smoo. She is helped along in her adventures by Poog, a mysterious floating alien; Spuckler and Gax, a rough space cowboy and his robot; and Beeba, an over-educated scholar who doesn't get along too well with Spuckler.
The cartoony art is helped along by simply incredible two-page layouts that happen at least once an issue. The letter columns and extras at the back of each issue make collecting the whole series from the start worth the effort. The main problem is with the stories, the first of which ran for 18 issues. Although no story line has been as long since, it can be daunting to jump on board when the stories go on so long. I recommend trying anyway, as even the middle of a story is fairly easy to catch on to, and it is worth the effort.
Akiko, while aimed at younger readers, is a great read for anyone young at heart. If you aren't looking for spandex-clad muscle men beating each other up, check out this book and see if it's to your taste.
Is you are looking for spandex-clad muscle men beating each other up, look no further. The Avengers is Marvel super-heroes at their finest. Written by one of the best in the business, and drawn by a true giant in the field, this book has everything going for it.
The story involves the reformation of the Avengers after the Heroes Return event. While the book concerns itself with the villain of the day, it also manages to focus on the cast, and how they've changed through the years. Because the art is so good, clean and easy to follow, the book is a delight to just page through.
At this point in my review I'd like to point out that I'm a DC fan. I started with Aquaman, and until this book was announced didn't concern myself with Marvel at all. In fact, I stated as much in a letter to the editor of this book that (to my astonishment) was printed in issue #9. I don't know the back history of these characters, and I have never really cared all that much about them. Until now. Despite a recent rash of poor issues, this book has managed to draw me in and get me interested in Marvel Comics.
If you like super-heroes, and want a book that is more than just fights but has plenty of battle action, try Avengers.